Guwahati Mourns as 108 Ambulance Driver Surrenders Following Tragic Death of Law Student Luna Bharadwaj in Kahilipara Crash
Guwahati, Assam – In a heartbreaking incident that turned festive Saraswati Puja celebrations into profound grief, a promising young law student lost her life after a collision involving a 108 emergency ambulance in Guwahati’s Kahilipara area. The ambulance driver, Rekibuddin Ahmed, who had initially fled the scene, has now surrendered to the police, bringing some closure to the devastated family and community demanding justice.
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,The fatal accident occurred on Friday, the auspicious day of Saraswati Puja, when a speeding 108 Mrityunjay ambulance reportedly rammed into a two-wheeler (scooter) in front of the Sarba Sikshya Abhiyan Mission office on Kahilipara Road. The victim, 26-year-old Luna Bharadwaj (also spelled Bhardwaj in some reports), a final-year law student at J.B. Law College, Guwahati, was declared brought dead at the hospital. She was a resident of Uttar Salmara (North Shalmara) in Bongaigaon district and had bright prospects ahead, including a scheduled joining at Axis Bank just two days after the tragedy.
Luna was riding pillion on the scooter when the collision took place. The impact was severe, claiming her life instantly while seriously injuring the other rider, Achyut Baruah, a resident of Dergaon in Golaghat district. Achyut sustained critical injuries to his back and legs and was rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he remains under treatment. Eyewitnesses and local residents alleged that the ambulance was traveling at high speed, contributing to the devastating crash.
According to police sources, the driver of the 108 ambulance, identified as Rekibuddin Ahmed from 2 No. Dag village (under Rangia Police Station jurisdiction, near Changsari), fled the scene immediately after the accident. This act of hit-and-run sparked widespread public outrage across Guwahati, with many condemning the negligence of an emergency service vehicle meant to save lives. Dispur Police swiftly seized the ambulance and registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act, including charges related to rash and negligent driving causing death.
After remaining absconding for a brief period, Rekibuddin Ahmed finally surrendered at Rangia Police Station. His surrender marks a significant development in the case, as authorities now have the primary accused in custody for further interrogation and legal proceedings. Police are continuing their investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, including whether excessive speed, traffic violations, or other factors were involved. While some locals maintain the ambulance was speeding, the full circumstances remain under scrutiny, with forensic examination of the vehicle and witness statements playing a key role.
The news of Luna Bharadwaj’s death sent shockwaves through her family and community in Uttar Salmara, Bongaigaon. What should have been a day of worship and joy transformed into an atmosphere of deep mourning and inconsolable sorrow at her ancestral home. Relatives, neighbors, and friends remember Luna as a brilliant, hardworking, and determined young woman with immense potential. She was praised for her dedication to studies and her ambition to build a successful career in the legal and banking sectors.
Speaking to the media, Luna’s brother – himself a law graduate – expressed profound anguish and accused the ambulance driver of gross negligence and reckless driving. “Due to sheer carelessness and speeding, my sister lost her life,” he stated emotionally. “She had a bright future ahead, and this preventable tragedy has shattered our family. We demand the strictest possible legal action against the guilty so that no other family has to endure this pain.”
The incident has once again highlighted critical issues surrounding road safety in Assam, particularly the irresponsible use of emergency vehicles and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules. 108 ambulances, operated under public-private partnerships for emergency medical services, are expected to adhere to high standards of caution, especially in crowded urban areas like Guwahati. The driver’s flight from the scene has further fueled calls for accountability in emergency services.
As the investigation progresses, police are examining CCTV footage (if available), vehicle speed data, and statements from witnesses to establish liability. The case has drawn attention from local leaders and civil society groups urging swift justice and measures to prevent similar tragedies.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of responsible driving, even for those in emergency roles. The people of Assam stand in solidarity with Luna Bharadwaj’s family during this difficult time, hoping for fair and prompt justice.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and the injured Achyut Baruah for a speedy recovery. We will continue to update this developing story as more details emerge from the ongoing police probe.
